THE opening shots in what could be a powerful Tory grassroots rebellion over Europe were fired in David Cameron’s direction yesterday.

A county council overwhelmingly backed a call for a national referendum on EU membership.

Lib Dems and Independents joined the Tory majority in Lincolnshire in a 72-7 vote for Britons to have a say on their destiny within the union.

Complaining of increased EU powers their motion stated: “Our residents are upset and angry that they have no powers to stem the tide, or change laws imposed on our country, which in part explains the distrust voters generally feel for all mainstream parties. ºIt is now the time for this country to be given the opportunity through a national referendum for their views to be known.”

Last night Skegness councillor Mark Smith, who proposed the motion, said: “Today’s EU is a world away from what the British people believed they were signing up for when we joined the Common Market.

This is our country and its future should be ours to decide

Skegness councillor Mark Smith

“It is time to challenge the conventional wisdom on Europe. This is our country and its future should be ours to decide.”

Grantham councillor Richard Davies added: “It is an issue which is constantly being brought to our attention.

“We are an overwhelmingly Conservative council but I can tell you that I’ve had calls from Labour voters thanking us for this.”

On Friday French President Francois Hollande poured scorn on Mr Cameron’s comprehensive review of EU powers to get a “better deal for Britain”, claiming Europe was not “an a la carte” menu from which member states could pick and choose preferred items.